New Delhi, July 15 -- The Delhi government has launched a major investigation into suspected large-scale irregularities in the collection of Infrastructure Fund Charge (IFC), after a preliminary scrutiny revealed that nearly 70 per cent of examined properties had allegedly not paid the mandatory levy despite being liable to do so. The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has now sought building approval records from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) for one year, five years and ten years to determine the extent of the alleged revenue loss and identify defaulting properties.
Speaking to Millennium Post, Delhi Jal Board Minister, Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma said the government had ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the matter and directed officials to obtain records from the MCD.
According to Verma, the DJB has completed scrutiny of building approval records for two years received from the MCD. The findings indicate that nearly 70 per cent of the cases for buildings spread over more than 3,000 square metres reflected zero payment of Infrastructure Fund Charge (IFC), even though the levy was applicable. Officials suspect that this could point to widespread irregularities in the collection of the mandatory charge, resulting in significant loss of government revenue. Under existing provisions, buildings with a built-up area of up to 200 square metres are exempt from paying IFC. However, the charge is mandatory for larger constructions, particularly commercial buildings and other specified categories. Buildings spread over more than 3,000 square metres, where bulk utility connections are provided, are also being examined separately as part of the investigation.
The preliminary assessment has identified around 300 properties where outstanding IFC dues could range between Rs 20 crore and Rs 50 crore each. Based on the initial findings, officials estimate that unpaid dues may amount to nearly Rs 2,000 crore.
Following these findings, the DJB has sought MCD records covering one year, five years and ten years to verify whether the pattern extends beyond the cases already examined. The expanded scrutiny is expected to determine the actual scale of the alleged irregularities and the total amount recoverable.
Officials said the first step will be to issue notices to property owners found to have defaulted on IFC payments. They will be given an opportunity to explain their case and clear the outstanding dues. If the payments are not made despite notices, the government may initiate legal action, including sealing of properties, recovery proceedings and, where necessary, auction of the properties in accordance with the law.
Emphasising the government's stand, Verma said, "Recovering every rupee of government revenue is our highest priority. If anyone has violated the rules by failing to pay the Infrastructure Fund Charge (IFC), the entire outstanding amount will be recovered in accordance with the law."
He added, "Notices will first be issued, giving the concerned parties an opportunity to present their case and make the payment. If the dues are still not cleared, action such as sealing, recovery proceedings and, if necessary, auction of properties will be carried out under the relevant legal provisions. No individual or institution is above the law. Protecting public revenue and ensuring fair enforcement of regulations is our responsibility, and any negligence in this regard will not be tolerated."
The investigation is expected to be one of the Delhi government's largest exercises to detect lapses in IFC collection, with officials indicating that the recovery process could involve dues worth thousands of
crores if similar irregularities are found across records from previous years.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.